HALIDON HILL.

SCOTT's dramatic compositions are his least successful efforts; indeed, they are dramatic only in appearance, and neither in spirit nor construction. Besides the translation of "Goetz von Berlichingen," which appeared in 1799, Scott wrote four plays: "The House of Aspen" (which was indeed partly a translation from the German), published in 1830, though composed some thirty years before; "Halidon Hill," written and published in 1822; "The Doom of Devorgoil," and "The Ayrshire Tragedy," which came out together in 1830. Of these "The House of Aspen" and "The Doom of Devorgoil" were undoubtedly intended for the stage. The first was offered to Kemble, who at one time thought of playing it, but was afraid of the "blood and thunder" character of some parts of it. "The Doom of Devorgoil" was composed for Scott's friend, Terry, but was found unfit for representation on account of the supernatural machinery of the plot. "Halidon Hill” and "The Ayrshire Tragedy" are purely dramatic sketches, written without any reference to the theatre; indeed, in his preface to the former Scott expressly gave warning that the drama (if it can be termed so) is in no particular either designed or calculated for the stage. We have selected a scene from "Halidon Hill," chiefly as a specimen of Scott's blank verse. The work is "designed," the author tells us, to illustrate military antiquities and the manners of chivalry." The plot is taken with some modification from Scottish history, the battle of Homildon Hill (1402) being transferred to Halidon Hill, an imaginary Regent being introduced, and some private traditions of the Swinton family, with which Scott was connected, being worked into the story. The action of the piece turns on young Gordon's generous resolve to forgive a desperate family feud, in which his father had fallen by Swinton's hand, and range himself under the command of the latter, on hearing his offer to lead the Scottish soldiers in a fresh charge against the English, who had already routed them. Only a small band followed the brave warrior and his new found friend, who were both slain in the fight.

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HALIDON HILL.

A part of the Field of Battle betwixt the two Main Armies. scenes; alarums, and cries of "Gordon, a Gordon,"

Enter, as victorious over the English vanguard,
VIPONT, REYNALD, and others.

VIPONT.

'Tis sweet to hear these war-cries sound together,-
Gordon and Swinton.

REYNALD.

'Tis passing pleasant, yet 'tis strange withal.
Faith, when at first I heard the Gordon's slogan
Sounded so near me, I had nigh struck down
The knave who cried it.

Enter SWINTON and GORDON.

SWINTON.

Pitch down my pennon in yon holly-bush.

GORDON.

Mine in the thorn beside it; let them wave,
As fought this morn their masters, side by side.

SWINTON.

Let the men rally, and restore their ranks
Here in this vantage-ground-disorder'd chase
Leads to disorder'd flight; we have done our part,
And if we're succour'd now, Plantagenet
Must turn his bridle southward.-

Reynald, spur to the Regent with the basnet
Of stout De Grey, the leader of their vanguard ;
Say, that in battle-front the Gordon slew him,
And by that token bid him send us succour.

GORDON.

And tell him that when Selby's headlong charge
Had well-nigh borne me down, Sir Alan smote him.
I cannot send his helmet, never nutshell
Went to so many shivers. -Harkye, grooms!

[To those behind the scenes.
Why do you let my noble steed stand stiffening
After so hot a course?

SWINTON.

Ay, breathe your horses, they'll have work anon,
For Edward's men-at-arms will soon be on us,
The flower of England, Gascony, and Flanders;
But with swift succour we will bide them bravely.—-
De Vipont, thou look'st sad?

VIPONT.

It is because I hold a Templar's sword

Wet to the cross'd hilt with Christian blood.

SWINTON.

The blood of English archers-what can gild
A Scottish blade more bravely?

VIPONT.

Even therefore grieve I for those gallant yeomen,
England's peculiar and appropriate sons,

Known in no other land. Each boasts his hearth
And field as free as the best lord his barony,
Owing subjection to no human vassalage,

Save to their King and law. Hence are they resolute,
Leading the van on every day of battle,

As men who know the blessings they defend.

Hence are they frank and generous in peace,

As men who have their portion in its plenty.
No other kingdom shows such worth and happiness
Veil'd in such low estate-therefore I mourn them.

SWINTON.

I'll keep my sorrow for our native Scots,
Who, spite of hardship, poverty, oppression,
Still follow to the field their Chieftain's banner,
And die in the defence on't.

GORDON.

And if I live and see my halls again,

They shall have portion in the good they fight for.
Each hardy follower shall have his field,

His household hearth and sod-built home, as free
As ever Southron had. They shall be happy!—
And my Elizabeth shall smile to see it !—
I have betray'd myself.

SWINTON.

Do not believe it.

Vipont, do thou look out from yonder height,
And see what motion in the Scottish host,
And in King Edward's.—

[Exit VIPONT.
Now will I counsel thee;

The Templar's ear is for no tale of love,
Being wedded to his Order. But I tell thee,
The brave young knight that hath no lady-love
Is like a lamp unlighted; his brave deeds,

And its rich painting, do seem then most glorious
When the pure ray gleams through them.-
Hath thy Elizabeth no other name?

GORDON.

Must I then speak of her to you, Sir Alan?
The thought of thee, and of thy matchless strength,
Hath conjured phantoms up amongst her dreams.
The name of Swinton hath been spell sufficient
To chase the rich blood from her lovely cheek,
And wouldst thou now know hers?

SWINTON.

Thy father in the paths of chivalry

I would, nay must.

Should know the load-star thou dost rule thy course by.

GORDON.

Nay, then, her name is—hark

SWINTON.

I know it well, that ancient northern house.

[Whispers.